I’m Vanessa, founder of CATRAVELTIMES, and Sierra Hot Springs is one of those places I keep coming back to not because it’s flashy, but because it’s the opposite of that. Sierra Hot Springs, located at 521 Campbell Hot Springs Rd, Sierraville, CA 96126, offers 4 soaking pools ranging from 85°F to 112°F, with day passes from $35–$40 per adult, open Wednesday through Sunday year-round.

What is Sierra Hot Springs ? Quick Details

The first time I pulled into Sierra Hot Springs located at 521 Campbell Hot Springs Rd, roughly 1.5 miles southeast of Sierraville I noticed the quiet before anything else. No background music, no signage trying to sell me something. Just meadow, forest, and the faint mineral smell of water that’s been rising through this ground for longer than anyone’s been keeping records.

The Washoe and Maidu peoples used this land as a sacred winter sanctuary for centuries; by 1853, settlers had found the sulphur springs on what was then Howk Ranch. Sheriff Jack Campbell developed the resort in 1874 the road still carries his name and since the early 1990s, the nonprofit NACOB has stewarded it. Knowing that timeline carries into the water with you. Four soaking pools ranging from 85°F to 112°F, open Wednesday through Sunday, $35–40 plus a $5 membership. It settles the experience differently.

What is Sierra Hot Springs ? Quick Details

Sierra Hot Springs: Directions & Map

From Truckee, take State Route 89 north for roughly 30 miles. It’s one of the better drives in the Northern Sierra, with the Little Truckee River running alongside you for stretches. When you reach Sierraville, watch for Campbell Hot Springs Road on the right; it’s easy to miss at speed. Drive 0.8 miles down that road and you’re there.

The GPS coordinates are 39.5961° N, 120.3575° W. The road is paved and manageable in any vehicle no 4WD required. Parking is straightforward. The moment you step out of the car and the meadow opens up around you, you’ll understand why I stopped to take photos before I even got my bag out of the trunk.

Sierra Hot Springs Photos – Stunning & Scenic Views

I shot the Temple Dome from outside first — the geodesic structure against the tree line is genuinely striking at golden hour. Then inside, where the stained-glass light hits the water. I got the outdoor warm pool at midday and the Meditation Pool in early morning when no one else was around.

The photos alone won’t prepare you for what it actually feels like to be there — and that’s where the pool details matter.

Everything You Need to Know About Sierra Hot Springs

Is Sierra Hot Springs Free, or Is There a Day Pass Fee?

The Sierra Hot Springs day pass costs $35–$40 per adult, and at least 1 person in your group must hold a current NACOB membership. A 30-day membership costs $5, a 1-year membership costs $20, and a lifetime membership runs $300. You can purchase membership on arrival. It’s not a surprise charge — just factor it in before you go. I grabbed a 30-day membership my first visit and upgraded to the annual by my second.

What Are the Hours at Sierra Hot Springs?

Day use passes are available Thursday through Sunday, 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM only. Evening soak passes run Wednesday through Sunday, 4 PM to 11 PM. The facility closes Mondays and Tuesdays for deep cleaning. No drop-ins allowed — advance reservations are required for every visit. I’d recommend booking at least a week ahead for weekends, and a day or two ahead midweek.

What Pools Does Sierra Hot Springs Have?

Sierra Hot Springs has 4 soaking areas: the Temple Dome Hot Pool (105–110°F), the outdoor Warm Pool (98–100°F), the Meditation Pool (98–100°F), and the Phoenix Baths (85–90°F). The Temple Dome is the signature experience — a geodesic structure with stained glass and skylights, paired with a cold plunge. The Phoenix Baths are private rooms filled with spring water, quieter and more enclosed. If you’re visiting for the first time and exploring hot springs across California, the Temple Dome alone justifies the drive.

What Is the Clothing Policy at Sierra Hot Springs?

Clothing is optional at Sierra Hot Springs. The property handles this without drama or announcements — it’s simply part of the culture. First-timers sometimes hesitate; within 20 minutes, most people have stopped thinking about it. The focus is on the water, not on anyone around you.

Is Sierra Hot Springs a Clothing-Optional Resort?

Yes, Sierra Hot Springs operates as a clothing-optional retreat. It’s owned and operated by the nonprofit NACOB — New Age Church of Being — which frames the property around wellness, body acceptance, and community. It’s not a party atmosphere. People come to soak, be quiet, and leave calmer than they arrived.

Does Sierra Hot Springs Offer Camping or Lodging?

Sierra Hot Springs offers on-site lodging at the Main Lodge and the Globe Hotel in downtown Sierraville, roughly 0.8 miles away, plus seasonal camping on the property. Main Lodge and Globe Hotel rooms run from $160/night midweek to $198/night on weekends, and overnight guests get pool access from 2 PM check-in through 2 PM checkout. I’ve stayed on-site once — the evening pool access alone made it worth it. Guests at Harbin Hot Springs will recognize the sister-retreat dynamic; both properties honor each other’s memberships.

Can You Visit Sierra Hot Springs Near Lake Tahoe?

Sierra Hot Springs sits roughly 35 miles north of Truckee, putting it about 45 minutes from the north shore of Lake Tahoe. It’s not a Tahoe hot spring in the way some listings imply — Sierraville is its own place — but the SR-89 corridor connects the two easily. I’ve done the drive from Tahoe City in under an hour with a stop at Donner Lake along the way.

What’s the Water Like — And When Should You Go?

The source water at Sierra Hot Springs emerges at 112°F and flows into the 4 pools at different temperatures — so you’re not locked into one experience. I tend to move between the Temple Dome hot pool and the outdoor warm pool in rotation, 20 minutes hot, 10 minutes cool, repeat. The water is silky in a way that’s hard to explain before you’ve felt it — lithium, sulfur, and silica in the mineral profile, and your skin notices.

Season	Why Visit	Best Time	Water Temperature
Summer	Green meadow, warm days; weekends get busy	Weekday mornings	98–110°F across pools
Winter	Snow on the ground; cold air makes the hot pools extraordinary	Any day; fewer visitors	98–110°F (source: 112°F)
Spring	Wildflowers, milder air, shoulder-season crowds	Weekdays in April–May	98–110°F
Fall	Best combination of cool air and lighter crowds	Weekdays in October	98–110°F
Year-Round	All 4 pools open and consistent regardless of season	Anytime Wed–Sun	85–112°F

Fall is my honest recommendation — October specifically. The air has an edge, the pools feel earned, and the meadow goes gold around you. Now let me tell you what to actually pack before you make the drive.

What Should You Bring to Sierra Hot Springs?

I once left a proper towel in my car trunk and spent 20 minutes drip-drying on a bench before someone took pity and lent me one. Don’t do that. The property has no towel rental — bring your own, bring a good one.

Clothing & Footwear

Swimsuit — Required if you prefer not to go clothing-optional; bring one either way for the drive back
Towel — No rentals on-site; this is non-negotiable
Water Shoes — The path between pools has some uneven ground and wet surfaces
Change of Clothes — You’ll want something dry and comfortable for the drive home

Comfort & Protection

Water Bottle — Soaking at 105–110°F dehydrates faster than you’d expect; bring at least 32 oz
Sunscreen — The outdoor warm pool gets direct sun, especially in summer and spring
Sunglasses — The afternoon light off the meadow is sharp
Hat — Useful between pool sessions when sitting outdoors

Food & Personal Items

Snacks or Picnic — The Philosophy Café is on-site but hours vary; don’t rely on it being open
Cash — Useful for membership fees and café purchases if card readers are down
Camera — The Temple Dome interior and the meadow views both deserve it

Now that you’re packed, here’s what else you can do while you’re in the area.

Things to Do at Benton Hot Springs

I spent most of my first visit just moving between the pools. By my second trip, I started treating the surrounding area like a proper itinerary. The 600-acre property and the SR-89 corridor give you more than a single day’s worth of things to do.

Soaking in the Temple Dome — The signature pool at 105–110°F inside a stained-glass geodesic dome. Alternate with the cold plunge and give yourself at least 90 minutes here.
Meditation Pool Session — Adults-only outdoor pool at 98–100°F, quieter than the dome. I go here in the morning when the light is low and the meadow is still.
Wellness Workshops & Yoga on Property — Sierra Hot Springs runs ongoing events including yoga, Reiki, and drumming — free for guests, check the schedule in advance.
Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout Hike — A challenging full-day hike from the Gold Lake area with 360-degree views over the Northern Sierra. Worth planning an extra day for.
Donner Lake Vista Point — A 15-minute roadside stop on SR-89 with sweeping lake views; easy to add on the drive up from Truckee.
Historic Summit Tunnel — The original transcontinental railroad tunnel through the Sierra, accessible from Donner Summit Road. History you can walk through.
West End Beach at Donner Lake — Public beach with swimming and picnic access; ideal for families doing the region over a weekend.
Shoreline Park near Truckee — Lakeside park for a short walk or picnic before the final push north to Sierraville.

If you enjoy the style of natural thermal soaking without full resort infrastructure, you might also find Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport worth adding to the same Northern California trip. Now, let’s cover where to sleep and eat when you’re done.

What Do You Need to Know Before Visiting Sierra Hot Springs?

Before you pack your bags and head out, here’s everything you need to know to make your visit smooth, stress-free, and full of nothing but relaxation.

Advance reservations are required — no exceptions: Sierra Hot Springs does not accept drop-in visitors. Book online or by phone at (530) 994-3773 before you make the drive. I’ve seen people turned away at the gate.
NACOB membership is mandatory for at least 1 person per group: The $5 thirty-day membership is the minimum. Purchase is available on arrival, but factor it into your budget. It covers both Sierra Hot Springs and Harbin Hot Springs as sister resorts.
No drugs, alcohol, or pets on property: This is enforced consistently. Pets may not be left in vehicles either. The retreat atmosphere is genuine — the rules support it.
Arrive on time: Day use hours are 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM; evening soaks run 4 PM to 11 PM. Early arrivals will not be accommodated. Build your drive time accordingly — the SR-89 route from Truckee takes about 30 minutes under normal conditions.
Children are welcome with awareness: The property is clothing-optional. Kids are allowed, but think through that dynamic before arriving. The resort asks that children maintain behavior appropriate to a quiet retreat setting.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays: Don’t plan around those days. The facility uses them for deep cleaning and is not accessible to visitors.
Phone service is limited in Sierraville: Download your directions and the Sierra Hot Springs property map before you leave Truckee. Cell signal in the valley can be unreliable.

Where to Stay & Eat Near Sierra Hot Springs

Sierraville is a small ranching town — roughly 200 residents. Plan ahead and confirm availability, especially on weekends. On-site lodging at Sierra Hot Springs is the most convenient option if you want evening pool access.

Hotels & Where to Stay

Sierra Hot Springs Main Lodge — On-site, double occupancy from $160/night (Wed–Thu) to $198/night (Fri–Sun); includes pool access 2 PM check-in to 2 PM checkout. Most direct option.
Globe Hotel, Sierraville — 11 guest rooms, 5 bathrooms, full kitchen, owned by Sierra Hot Springs; located 0.8 miles from the pools in downtown Sierraville.
The Gilded Drifter Inn — Boutique inn-style accommodation in the region; a comfortable base with character for visitors who prefer a private setting.
Lodge at Whitehawk Ranch — Ranch-style lodge near Clio; quieter alternative roughly 20 minutes from the springs.
Truckee Hotels (25 miles south via SR-89) — Full range of chain and boutique properties available; Truckee is the reliable fallback when Sierraville books out.

Restaurants & Where to Eat

The Philosophy Café at Sierra Hot Springs — On-site café at the Main Lodge; vegetarian-focused menu using local produce; hours vary, verify before your visit.
The Fork & Horn — American comfort food in the region; ranch-country feel, filling and straightforward.
Los Dos Hermanos — Casual Mexican near Sierraville; the kind of place you eat a full plate and it costs you almost nothing.
Smithneck Farms Café — Farm-adjacent café with a local produce-driven menu; worth the detour for a slower breakfast or lunch.
Radio Roma / Taco Roma — Casual Italian-meets-taco option regulars return to; easy and affordable between drives.

What Are People Saying About Sierra Hot Springs?

Sierra Hot Springs holds a 4.5 out of 5 on Google, and the consistent praise tracks to 3 things: water quality, the Temple Dome experience, and the genuinely peaceful tone of the property. Visitors consistently describe it as restorative without being commercialized. I’d agree — the 4-pool range means solo travelers, couples, and families all find their version of the visit without being crowded into one experience.

My Honest Take on Sierra Hot Springs

I’ve soaked in a lot of California’s thermal pools. Some are wilder, some are hotter, and some are dramatically easier to reach. Sierra Hot Springs earns its place for different reasons. The Temple Dome at 105°F with stained glass overhead is a genuinely singular experience. I haven’t found anything else quite like it in the state.

What stayed with me after my last visit wasn’t the water itself, though. It was the walk back to the car in the evening, across the meadow with the cold air coming in off the Sierra Valley and the light going flat and purple. Nobody was rushing anywhere. That feeling is what Sierra Hot Springs actually sells, and it delivers every time. If you want a curated spa resort go elsewhere. If you want a real place with real water and 170 years of history behind it make the drive.

FAQs About Sierra Hot Springs

Q. What is the Sierra Hot Springs day pass price?

Day passes run $35–$40 per adult for daytime access (10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Thursday through Sunday). Evening soak passes are also available Wednesday through Sunday, 4 PM to 11 PM, at a separate rate.

Q. Does Sierra Hot Springs require a membership?

Yes. At least 1 person in your party must hold a valid NACOB membership. A 30-day membership costs $5, annual costs $20, and lifetime runs $300. You can buy it on arrival.

Q. Is Sierra Hot Springs clothing-optional?

Yes, clothing is optional throughout the property. It’s not mandatory to participate — swimwear is fine. The atmosphere is relaxed and non-judgmental about either choice.

Q. Is Sierra Hot Springs for sale?

As of my research, Sierra Hot Springs is listed for sale through Compass real estate, with the main property, Globe Hotel, and a historic lodge in Calpine included. The retreat continues to operate normally while the sale process is active.

Q. How far is Sierra Hot Springs from Lake Tahoe?

Sierra Hot Springs is roughly 35 miles north of Truckee via SR-89, putting the north shore of Lake Tahoe about 45 to 60 minutes away depending on where you’re starting from.

Q. What are the best pools at Sierra Hot Springs?

The Temple Dome Hot Pool at 105–110°F is the signature experience. The outdoor Warm Pool at 98–100°F is the most social. The Meditation Pool is the quietest. The Phoenix Baths offer the most privacy in enclosed rooms.

Q. Can you camp at Sierra Hot Springs?

Seasonal camping is available on the 600-acre property. Contact Sierra Hot Springs directly at (530) 994-3773 or [email protected] to check availability and seasonal dates.